Gro hikes much faster than Karen and me. Karen and I savor the outdoors, magnificent views, wildflowers and photography. Gro goes for the exercise.

On snowshoes, today Gro, Betsy and I hiked extremely steep Ranger Road above Leavenworth, gaining 1,000 feet of elevation over 1- 1/2 to 2 miles. As usual, Gro and Betsy took off like a shot.

It's no fun struggling to keep up. After stopping to take photos, I fell hopelessly behind.

Overheated, I didn't want to waste time stopping to remove my down jacket. And I was carrying a heavier pack.

One snowshoe came off. Twice my sunglasses fell into the snow while taking photos. Where was my sports strap?

Turning around after two extremely steep miles, I immediately relaxed. The descent was beautiful. The sun came out, making the snow glitter. I sent Gro a text that I was at my car.

Driving home, I remembered zipping the sunglass sports strap into my raincoat pocket during a driving snowstorm. The raincoat was in my pack. Sheesh.

It's more fun hiking with someone who hikes at your own pace.